Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) to Harriette Story Paige
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01946.32 Author/Creator: Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 January 1846 Pagination: 3 p. ; 18.2 x 12.1 cm. Order a Copy
Informs his sister-in-law that he left two items at the Paige's residence in Boston: a "tin pail or box of bristles intended for Mrs. Curtis," and his "breach pin, commonly called Mrs. Perkins." Instructs Paige to send the pail to Mrs. Edward Curtis in New York, and requests that she send his breach pin to Washington, D.C., using his free frank. Refers to Mr. Adams (possibly John Quincy Adams) in Congress as a "man who sometimes confounds his enemies; but quite as often his friends." Hopes the squall Adams raised in Congress will blow over. Records that this document was written at 11 o'clock.
Webster served as Senator (1827-1840) and (1845-1850). In 1846, Adams served as Massachusetts Representative. The squall Adams raised possibly refers to his opposition to the Mexican War or to slavery, both heated topics in Congress at the time.
N.Y Jan.5 '46
Monday Morni[n]g
11 o'clock
A.[M].
My Dear Harriette
A bright day, & all well. I left Mrs. W at Mr. C's an hour ago - She comes down here to get some dinner & we are off for the South this P.M. She will write you, with thanks for your [bag] & good letters. Two things [2] things were left at your house by mistake [viz].
1) a tin pail or box of [bristles] intended for Mrs. Curtis. Pray let that come by the Express addressed "Edward Curtis Esq., 28 Union Square, N. York"
2) My breach pin, commonly called "Mr.'s Perkins"
If Bridget found Mr. Perkins, [3] Perkins pray please put her up in a letter, & let her come to Washington under my frank.
There is nothing new here, [but] Heaven, except Mr. Adam's characteristic [feature], in Congress. He is a man who sometimes confounds his enemies; but quite as often his friends. I hope the squall he has raised will blow over.
With love to husband &
Children, Yrs D.W.
Yours
D. W.
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